Some job interviewers ask tough questions to trip you up or to get you to reveal information you may be trying to conceal. Others want to get a better sense of your thought process or see how you respond under pressure. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to be prepared. In her book “301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions,” Vicky Oliver says in order to prevail, you need to “trounce your competition.” “You could be competing against someone with three times your experience, or conversely, against someone who can do the job at half your salary level,” she says. One of the best ways to stand out: have the smartest answers to the toughest questions. 1. Q: You have changed careers before. Why should I let you experiment on my nickel? A: As a career-changer, I believe that I’m a better employee because I’ve gained a lot of diverse skills from moving around. These skills help me solve problems creatively. 2. Q: What if you work here for five years and don’t get promoted? Many of our employees don’t. Won’t you find it frustrating? A: I consider myself ambitious, but I’m also practical. As long as I am continuing to learn and grow within my position, I’ll be a happy camper. Different companies promote people at different rates, and I’m pretty confident that working for you will keep me motivated and mentally stimulated for several years to come. |